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Here’s the latest from Florida…
Kamala Harris & the Focus on Florida
The Florida Democratic Party has quickly rallied around Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the White House following President Joe Biden’s sudden exit from the race against Republican opponent Donald Trump. Harris, who is expected to secure the Democratic Party nomination at August’s Democratic National Convention, gathered support from nearly all the state’s 254 delegates in the days after receiving the president’s endorsem*nt. Despite this backing and broader enthusiasm, the presidential race in Florida is unlikely to sway from its status as a likely Republican stronghold. But the vice president, a frequent critic of Gov. DeSantis, is likely to make the state a focus of her campaign’s message and central themes on abortion, education, and climate change. The abortion issue is integral to Democrat’s election strategy to motivate voters and make progress with a moderate electorate following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Harris has emerged as the preferred messenger on the topic, traveling the nation to advocate for federal protections for women’s reproductive rights and pushback against state-imposed abortion restrictions, including Florida’s six-week ban. She has visited the Sunshine State to specifically address the issue on many occasions, meeting with Democratic state lawmakers shortly after Roe was reversed to discuss access and making high-profile speeches slamming the restrictive limits as “extremist” and blaming Trump. With abortion access on the November ballot in Florida and several other states, Harris is likely to continue leading the counterarguments on conservative abortion measures in hopes that it will prove effective in mobilizing voters to the polls. Education has also been a center point of the vice president’s criticisms when it comes to Florida and the DeSantis administration, especially on standards related to Black history. Harris accused Republicans and education leaders of spreading propaganda and seeking to “replace history with lies,” while denouncing book bans and the culture of fear in schools. In multiple trips to Miami, climate change was a focus, touting federal funds for neighborhoods vulnerable to storm surge and the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits for electric vehicles. Previously highlighting initiatives to invest in renewable energy sources and boost resiliency to rising sea levels, the Harris campaign may choose to reemphasize climate change to expand the Democratic reach with younger voters. Messaging on these themes may help the state Democratic Party regain territory in the swing state no more as leaders feel more optimistic with Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket. It’s clear that the candidate is experiencing a surge of energy and broadening appeal. Since announcing her entry into the presidential race, the Harris campaign says there have been 14,500 new volunteer registrations in Florida – the most of any U.S. state. Whether this initial burst of optimism and excitement wears off will be closely watched as DeSantis posted on Tuesday, “Kamala has no chance in the Sunshine State.”
Voters to Decide Whether School Boards Remain Non-Partisan
Florida voters will decide this November whether to shift school board elections from nonpartisan to partisan, potentially joining a small handful of states that label such candidates by party. School board races have been nonpartisan since 2000, following a 1998 constitutional amendment. The proposed Amendment 1 aims to reverse this decision by requiring candidates for school boards to disclose their political party affiliation, taking effect in the primary races leading up to the November 2026 general election. This change comes amid heightened polarization in school board meetings and increased involvement from both the Republican and Democratic parties. This includes Gov. DeSantis endorsing more than two dozen school board candidates in 2022 and another 23 this year as PACs have increasingly poured money into these races. There are existing partisan undertones in school board elections and formalizing them as partisan would alter voter dynamics, likely giving the GOP an edge. Proponents of the amendment say that party labels provide valuable information to busy voters and will provide greater transparency to races that are discreetly political anyway as parties have gotten more involved. But opponents fear it would introduce more money into campaigns and exclude qualified, well-intentioned candidates focused on education rather than politics. Amendment 1 will need 60% of voters’ support to pass.
Florida’s New Rules for Restricting Kids from Social Media
Attorney General Ashley Moody has proposed rules to implement a new law aimed at keeping children off social media platforms and blocking minors from accessing online p*rnography. Effective January 1, the law will establish age verification requirements and prohibit children under 14 from opening social media accounts. However, 14- and 15-year-olds can open a social media account with parental permission. The measure also requires internet users to verify their age to access p*rnographic sites in an effort to prevent minors under age 18 from accessing such content. The newly proposed rules address age verification methods and define "reasonable parental verification" as an age and identity validation process using “commercially reasonable means,” which can include contacting parents through addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses provided during account creation. Technology industry advocates argue the law's age-verification requirements violate First Amendment rights. It also primarily holds social media companies responsible for confirming the ages of their users and violations could result in legal action from the attorney general’s office. The law’s restrictions are expected to apply to specific social media platforms, which have not been identified by name, but utilize algorithms and “addictive features.”
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DeSantis Backs Committee to Oppose Recreational Marijuana Amendment
In recent weeks, Gov. DeSantis has publicly expressed his opposition to Amendment 3 on Florida's November ballot. This measure, if approved by 60% of voters, would legalize recreational marijuana for adults statewide. DeSantis contends that the constitutional amendment is overly broad and would adversely impact the quality of life as it lacks restrictions. Now, he’s seeking to boost his opposition efforts by joining forces with the newly-created Vote No on 3 political committee. With the “full support” of DeSantis and staffed by his allies, Vote No on 3 has aggressively messaged legalization as harmful, claiming that it will enable drug dealers, drive black market activity, and force Floridians to “alter their lives” to avoid secondhand smoke. The Republican governor is expected to fundraise against the measure, having previously raised $120,000, but Smart & Safe Florida, the group pushing its passage, has raised $60 million, with millions spent on advertising. Amendment supporters insist that the state Legislature would be able to restrict marijuana use similar to laws around tobacco. They argue it will provide access to safe, tested products and end arrests for simple possession.
Doctor Residency Applications Drop in Florida Following Reversal of Roe v. Wade
Following the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Florida has seen a significant decline in medical residency applicants, particularly for OB-GYN programs, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The state's strict abortion laws, prohibiting the procedure after six weeks, are cited as a deterrent for prospective residents. Data from the AAMC indicates that states with restrictive abortion laws experienced larger drops in residency applications compared to those where abortion remains legal. Florida saw a 9.7% decrease in residency applicants in the past year and a modest 0.7% decrease in the 2022-23 application year, which begins in September. However, the analysis was conducted before the Sunshine State’s six-week abortion ban took effect in May. This trend raises concerns about healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved communities, as most doctors practice where they complete their residency. Critics argue these laws exacerbate Florida's existing doctor shortage, which is only expected to meet 62% of demand for family medicine openings in 2030, according to Florida TaxWatch.
Florida’s Olympic Athletes in Paris
The 2024 Summer Olympics are well underway in Paris, and Florida has made a dominant presence in the number of athletes representing their home countries. 42 Floridians are competing in the 2024 Olympic games, ranking second among U.S. states represented, trailing only California, according to the U.S. Census. Beyond Team USA, dozens of other Olympians participating in the competition boast ties to the Sunshine State, including students at Florida’s collegiate programs and those representing other countries. The University of Florida has contributed significantly to the national team, with a record 41 Gators qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics – the fourth most of the nation's colleges and universities. This includes returning decorated Olympians Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel, representing the U.S. swim teams. Ledecky, a volunteer swim coach at UF, and Dressel, a native of Green Cove Springs, Florida, and former collegiate swimmer at UF are the most decorated Team USA athletes in Paris, entering the games with a combined 14 total gold medals. Other notable Olympic athletes from Florida include swimmer Ryan Murphy of Jacksonville, a 6x medalist; sprinter Noah Lyles of Gainesville; swimmer Emma Weyant of Sarasota; tennis star Danielle Collins of St. Petersburg; two-time gold medalist swimmer Bobby Finke of Tampa; sprinter Kendall Ellis of Pembroke Pines; water polo player Ashleigh Johnson of Miami; and golfer Nelly Korda of Bradenton.
Election Offices Enhance Security Amid Rising Threats
With heightened public scrutiny, election offices across Florida are increasing security measures ahead of the already tense presidential election, citing rising threats and harassment. In Tampa Bay, the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections office has added security cameras and physical barriers as part of $800,000 in funding reserved for enhanced safety, while the Pinellas elections office is spending $350,000 on similar measures, including hiring off-duty sheriff's deputies and cybersecurity defenses. Every Florida county is bolstering cybersecurity efforts to safeguard election integrity and ensure a smooth voting process that fosters trust. The moves come as election officials nationwide report increased threats and abuse, with 38% reporting heightened threats, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. Experts warn that emotionally charged issues on the ballot, such as abortion and recreational marijuana, could lead to further efforts to disrupt the voting process.
Duke Energy Scales Back Rate Increase
Duke Energy and energy consumer advocates have agreed to a settlement that would significantly lower the company’s requested rate hike scheduled for 2025. In an agreement with the state’s Office of Public Counsel, Duke Energy is cutting its proposed base rate increase from $820 million to $262 million over three years. Additionally, the company will only add charges for solar energy projects upon their completion, totaling about $141 million if finished on schedule. Duke also pledged to halt electricity shutoffs when temperatures reach 95 degrees or higher, a change from the previous policy of a 105-degree heat index. In rare public hearings held by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) in June, hundreds of citizens showed up to voice their opposition to utility providers’ request to increase rates, which would deliver profits higher than the national average. In more than 1,300 public comments submitted, residents expressed concerns about increasing electricity bills amid rising household costs and already escalating utility fees. The changes would have impacted more than two million Duke Energy customers in Florida. The new agreement, pending approval by the PSC, would increase base rates by $203 million in 2025 and $59 million in 2026. Meanwhile, a separate rate hike proposal by Tampa Electric Co. (TECO) is also pending approval by the PSC.
Tampa’s Proposed $1.8B “Status Quo” Budget
Mayor Jane Castor has unveiled a $1.8 billion budget for the City of Tampa, maintaining current service levels without a proposed tax rate hike. Dubbed a "status quo budget," it addresses existing services with little room for additional projects. Castor highlighted challenges from population growth, aging infrastructure, and increased costs, which have jumped nearly 40% for goods and services purchased in the last four years. Despite a moderate rise in property values, the revenue increase falls $7 million short of initial projections. Still, the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 is $57.6 million more than the budget approved last year. Key focus areas include housing, transportation, public safety, climate resiliency, and infrastructure maintenance. The budget provides a 4.5% salary boost for police officers, firefighters, and unionized employees, while others will see a 3% increase. Last year, Mayor Castor proposed a double-digit property tax rate increase. However, the City Council rejected the proposal due to concerns about high inflation, rising insurance premiums, and escalating utility costs. Tampa continues to face significant housing demand that outpaces supply as the city had the highest millennial population growth rate in the nation. Castor emphasized the importance of voters passing a countywide half-penny sales tax on the ballot this November, which will be necessary to fund transportation and infrastructure projects. The city will also pursue federal and state grants to fill budget gaps and fund larger projects, such as the recent award of a $24 million federal grant for infrastructure improvements in Palmetto Beach. The City Council will review the budget proposal and hold public hearings, with a final vote of approval scheduled in September.
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Florida's Hispanic Voters Weigh-In on Upcoming Election
Election Day is nearly three months away and Hispanic voters, who make up one in five eligible voters in Florida, carry a lot of sway in the direction of the state. A recent survey by TelevisaUnivision Consumer Strategy & Insights and Media Predict, conducted from June 13-17, polled nearly 1,400 likely voters in Florida, including almost 600 Hispanic voters. The findings show that Hispanic voters prioritize affordable housing, gun control, and climate change more than their non-Hispanic counterparts. Additionally, they express equal concern about border security and inflation when compared to other voter demographics. The survey, held before President Joe Biden abruptly exited the presidential race, indicated that Hispanic voters would likely support Trump over Biden by a 47%-43% margin. However, more than one-third remain undecided. Similarly, in the U.S. Senate race, over 40% of Hispanic voters are uncertain about their choice between Republican Sen. Rick Scott and former Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. The results underscore the importance of targeted communication, as two-thirds of respondents said they rarely see political advertisem*nts, and most prefer Spanish-language ads. However, the Latino voting bloc is diverse and complex, with varied backgrounds and views across communities. Campaigns aiming to win this group will have to engage Hispanic voters early and often and meet them where they are with targeted outreach.
Pinellas County Approves Spending for New Rays Stadium
The Pinellas County Commission has approved $312.5 million in tourist tax dollars for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium, clearing the last major hurdle for the $1.3 billion, 30,000-seat domed ballpark. The county’s funding of the project will come from the Tourist Development Tax that is collected on hotel stays, and short-term vacation rentals, and can only be used for tourism-oriented purposes, including marketing and capital projects that draw visitors, such as the new Tampa Bay Rays stadium. Pinellas County’s approval of the deal ends a long road in the Rays’ search for a new home that included a prospective stadium in Tampa, Ybor City, or even relocating part-time to Montreal. The agreement will presumably keep the team in St. Petersburg for the next three decades and prohibit the Rays from searching for a new home outside the city. The county’s endorsem*nt comes less than two weeks after the St. Petersburg City Council voted to approve 12 legally binding agreements with the Rays and their development partner Hines for the stadium, which also included the multi-billion dollar redevelopment of the surrounding Historic Gas Plant District. Pinellas County’s approval of funding is limited to the construction of the stadium – not the larger redevelopment project.
DeSantis Endorses 23 Candidates for Local School Boards
Gov. DeSantis has endorsed 23 school board candidates across the state ahead of the August 20 primary, including candidates in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Brevard, and Volusia counties. Emphasizing student performance, parental rights, and curriculum transparency, the endorsem*nts mostly back candidates challenging incumbents who were identified for removal by the governor last year. Additional rounds of endorsem*nts could be forthcoming in a state that has made significant moves to reshape education policy and promote conservative, “anti-woke” values. One incumbent being targeted by DeSantis said she never met with DeSantis, but added that parents are less concerned with politics and more interested in electing leaders focused on improving learning outcomes. Critics argue that this level of political involvement in school board elections is an overreach that politicizes education and shifts the focus away from the needs of students and teachers. DeSantis previously issued endorsem*nts in the nonpartisan races ahead of the 2022 elections – a first for a Florida governor.
Pinellas County’s $4.3B Proposed Budget
A proposed $4.3 billion budget has been rolled for Pinellas County over the next fiscal year and includes a lower property tax rate for the third time in four years. The budget, which will be finalized in September, plans to lower the property tax rate to $4.5947 per $1,000 of assessed value, bringing some relief to homeowners despite rising property value. Other key priorities addressed include infrastructure, beach renourishment, public safety, behavioral health, and affordable housing initiatives. The budget allocates $3.3 billion for county operations and includes a base salary increase for employees of $600 and a 4.25% raise. The sheriff's office is the largest single beneficiary of funding at more than $457.4 million and, $1 billion is set aside for capital projects, with $42 million toward bridge and road maintenance. Pinellas County will continue to use the Tourist Development Tax Fund for much-needed beach renourishment. The preliminary spending plan is a half-billion dollars more than the 2024 budget. Public hearings on the budget are scheduled for September 5 and 19.
DeSantis Aims to Solve NIL, Transfer Portal Issues in College Sports
Focused on restoring Florida’s dominance in college athletics, Gov. DeSantis is proposing a state-led framework to address issues like name, image, and likeness (NIL) and the NCAA transfer portal, which he compared to "yearly free agency." He criticized Congress for inaction and suggested that states collaborate to create solutions after speaking to other governors. DeSantis highlighted Florida's 2020 NIL law, which allowed college players to profit off their personal brand and pushed the NCAA to adopt national changes. However, he noted the inconsistent and varied state laws governing athletes’ name, image, and likeness have been problematic and other states with less restrictive NIL laws carry a competitive advantage. For example, 36 states allowed athletes to leverage NIL while in high school before Florida changed its bylaws in June. This uneven playing field for student-athletes and schools poses a threat to Florida’s ability to retain top recruits and bolster the state's college football programs.
Rays Trade Franchise Star Randy Arozarena
The Tampa Bay Rays have traded All-Star outfielder and fan-favorite Randy Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for prospects Aidan Smith and Brody Hopkins and another player to be named later. Arozarena, 29, who has been with the Rays for five years and has hit 20 or more home runs in each of the last three seasons, was seen as a likely trade candidate due to his escalating salary and Tampa Bay's struggles in the postseason race. Seattle sought an offensive boost to complement their top-tier pitching staff and help them in their postseason push for the final AL Wild Card spot. Tampa Bay fans are having a tough time with the Aronzarena trade, especially as the news broke on a day dedicated to him, known as “Randy Land Day.” Many fans expressed their disappointment that the Rays – yet again – were losing another All-Star and beloved face of the franchise, which helps draw attendees for a team that routinely sits at the bottom of the attendance leaderboard. Aronzarena’s departure marks the end of an era for the Rays, as he was a favorite and key player since his breakout performance in the 2020 World Series run.
St. Petersburg’s Maximo Park Undergoes Shoreline Restoration
Maximo Park, a sanctuary for mangroves, birds, and historical artifacts, has undergone a shoreline restoration, a collaborative effort between the City of St. Petersburg and the nonprofit Tampa Bay Watch. Over three days, about 70 volunteers installed nearly 600 oyster-friendly artificial reefs that weigh 100 pounds each and laid down shell bags to combat erosion. The park has lost 25 feet of shoreline in the past five years, according to the City. This project aims to protect the ecosystem and preserve archaeological remains. The joint initiative aims to reassemble in August to fortify the coast by planting seagrass and native plants while augmenting dunes to prevent further erosion across the park's 8,000-foot shoreline. This partnership is just one of several collaborations addressing erosion in the Tampa Bay region, with similar shoreline restoration projects planned for Lassing Park and Fantasy Island.
New Wine Shop & Speciality Grocer to Open in St. Petersburg
Volta Wine & Provisions, a new specialty wine shop and gourmet grocer, is set to open in downtown St. Petersburg in early 2025. This new addition aims to offer a unique experience with an extensive selection of wines, including organic and biodynamic options, alongside a retail market featuring a variety of gourmet foods. Partners Zach Pace and Rachelle Tomushev, who recently relocated from San Francisco, are behind this venture. Pace, with a background as a wine importer, sommelier, and director at Michelin-starred restaurants, aims to provide a diverse range of small-batch and imported products such as Italian olive oils, tinned fish, and local goods. The shop will also feature a bar and a vinyl-listening lounge.
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